With the recent the second season of the anime adaptation of Yui Hara’s Kiniro Mosaic series finished airing, figure company Revolve have revealed an excellent 1/7 scale figure of the adorable transfer student from Britain, Alice Cartelet. She is dressed in her school uniform while holding a sakura tree branch while in a dynamic pose that suits her cute nature perfectly.
Nisekoi is still one of the most popular manga in Japan, and it has also expanded its number of readership outside of Japan as well. The first season of Nisekoi which aired last year (my review of it can be found here) was a success, and Shaft decided to give the series another go with this season.
Story and Characters:
Following right after the first season left off, Raku and Chitoge are still living out their fake love for each other. If you’ve watched the first season, you’ll know that this is all the story is going to really be, without too much progress on the plot itself. Nisekoi focuses on its individual character arcs instead of an overarching plot. Given that they already established the plot in the first season, there is perhaps even less plot development than ever in the second season.
Nisekoi’s big appealing points is its humour and its characters, with the second season delivering once again. The cast of characters expands in the second season, with the most prominent new inclusion being Kosaki Onodera’s sister, Haru. Almost every character, main and supporting, gets an arc/episode of their own in the second season which delves deeper into their pasts, and leads to some genuinely heartfelt moments. Any time an anime takes time to help develop its characters or shows more about them, it will do well in my book. The only character who doesn’t get any real arc is Raku himself, as his past is still a real mystery. Of course, he has a part to play in every characters’ arcs but he himself doesn’t really go through any real personality changes.
Even Shuu got his own arc this season.
If you watched this for a really good romance story, you’re looking in the wrong place. However, if you’re looking for more of those lovable characters from the first season, there’s sure to be a couple of episodes in here that are just right for you.
Visuals and Animation:
Shaft usually does a good job when it comes to their art and animation, and Nisekoi is no exception. Shaft uses the same style they used in Hidamari Sketch and Koufuku Graffiti for Nisekoi. It’s colourful and vibrant, with a lot of detail put into the characters. Another part that adds to Nisekoi’s humour is the characters’ reactions, which is done really well using facial expressions. This is probably the part I like best about Nisekoi is how well they handle humour just through the characters’ expressions. Some of the jokes wouldn’t be even be that funny if it wasn’t for the absurd way the characters react to the joke they put in.
The animation for Nisekoi was pretty much standard stuff. There are times when they change up the animation for humour or during some of the more dramatic scenes. These parts stand out more, as they’re supposed to.
Why so serious, Raku?
Sound and Music:
As with the first season, this is a department Nisekoi does really well in. The cast from the first season returns to lend their voices to these characters. Just as with the first season, shout-outs go to Kana Hanazawa as Kosaki Onodera, and Kana Asumi as Marika Tachibana for really making their characters shine brighter than perhaps they should. Nao Touyama as Chitoge Kirisaki, and Ayane Sakura as Haru Onodera also deserve recognition for their roles. Every voice acotr did well in their roles, but these four stand out.
In absence of the newly re-established ClariS unit, who did the first season’s openings, Shaft brought in LiSA who, in my eyes, is the next best thing. Nisekoi:’s OP “Rally Go Round” by LiSA, is my personal favourite song from this season. The EDs were usually different depending on whose arc was just shown, but the one played the most often was 曖昧ヘルツ (Aimai Hertz) by the female main characters. “Aimai Hertz” is an upbeat and playful song that fits the nature of the anime. A couple of my other favourite EDs were “TrIGgER” by Seishirou Tsugumi (Mikako Komatsu) and またど～らぶ (Matado Love) by Marika Tachibana (Kana Asumi). The background music was good, and it helped punctuate the mood of the scenes they were placed in.
Final Verdict:
If you enjoyed the first season of Nisekoi, you’ll probably enjoy this, as there is more development of all of the characters. If you weren’t a fan of the first season or aren’t interested by the premise, the second season will do nothing to change your mind. The second season was a love letter to the fans and not much else.
+ Strong sound department, especially when it comes to voice acting
+ Good humour
+ Good characters
– Zero plot development
So Nisekoi fans, are you ready to make the comments section your next battleground? Let me hear you!
The official website of the upcoming new TV anime series from the Dragon Ball franchise titled Dragon Ball Super began streaming a new commercial which previews the new characters on Thursday. The video previews the opening theme song “Chouzetsu☆Dynamic!” (Excellent Dynamic) by Kazuya Yoshii.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0kTP_Jo3TiI
Earlier this month the official website for Toei Animation Europe has listed the upcoming TV anime series Dragon Ball Superat 100 episodes. The Japanese website has not revealed any information concerning the episode count.
Dragon Ball Super will begin its broadcast from July 5 at 9:00am JST on Fuji TV, which will be replacing the timeslot for Dragon Ball Z Kai, which will be wrapping up this season.
The anime’s official site has revealed the first set of character designs for the main characters the anime. The main cast has also been revealed to return in Dragon Ball Super and includes:
Masako Nozawa (Tetsuro Hoshino in Ginga Tetsudou 999) returns to voice Goku
The new series will feature an original story by Akira Toriyama, the creator of the initial Dragon Ball manga.Dragon Ball Super will premiere this July on Fuji TV and will air weekly.
The story will take place chronologically after the Majin Buu Saga arc, which is currently airing in a remastered version that adheres more to the original manga. Titled Dragon Ball Kai, the TV anime began airing in April 2014 and will complete in June 2015, just prior to Dragon Ball Super. This series is a continuation of the original Dragon Ball reboot, also titled Dragon Ball Kai, which aired between April 2009 and March 2011.
In addition, some of the staff members were also revealed:
Here is the synopsis of the original series from MAL:
Bulma is a girl in search of the mystical Dragonballs that when brought together grant any wish. In her search she bumps into the owner of one of these balls, a strange boy named Goku. The two then set off together, Bulma in search of the Dragonballs and Goku on a quest to become stronger.
A new KanColle figure featuring the lovable Kongou Class Battleship, Kongou, has been revealed. This is the Kai Ni version of Kongou who packs more firepower than her regular version. Her confident pose, amazing smile and fantastic details on her costume is just so mesmerizing.
The votes are in and the name of the feature idol group in Love Live! Sunshine!! has been decided. Thousands of fans have voted and the group will be called Aqours and their first song will be released on October 7th.
Earlier in the month Dengeki G’s magazine hosted a poll to allow fans to name the 9 idols of Ura no Hoshi Girls Academy. A poll was also set up for the first series, Love Live! School Idol Project, where the name μ’s was chosen. Coming in first place for Love Live! Sunshine!! with a comfortable 4644 votes, fans have chosen:
Aquors (pronounced Aqua), combination of Aqua and Ours
In second place at 3013 votes is:
Palettes!, Nine girls, nine colors
And in third place, with 2770 votes, is:
Lir, the Celtic god of the sea
The official site of the new project has also revealed that the first single of Love Live! Sunshine!! will be released on October 7th this year. Additional information about the songs will be revealed in the August issue of Dengeki G’s magazine, releasing on the 30th this month.
The main cast and actresses for the main 9 girls of Love Live! Sunshine!! have been revealed and include:
Anju Inami (Ino Yamanaka in the Naruto Stage Play) will voice Chika Takami
Rikako Aida (Poona in Hyperdevotion Noire: Goddess Black Heart) voices Riko Sakurauchi
Nanaka Suwa (Yaya in Aoi Sekai no Chuushin de) as Kanan Matsuura
Arisa Komiya (Gravure Idol and Yoko Usami/Yellow Buster from Tokumei Sentai Go-Busters) is voicing Dia Kurosawa
Shuka Saito (Unknown) will join the cast as You Watanabe
Aika Kobayashi (Singer of Freezing ED) will voice Yoshiko Tsushima
Kanako Takatsuki (Cover Artist, Part of AnisongCollab) as Hanamaru Kunikida
Aina Suzuki (Contestant in the 2013 Anison Grand Prix) voices Mari Ohara
Ai Furihata (Various Game Voices) is voicing Ruby Kurosawa
Additional information about the characters and project have also been revealed:
The readers and fans of the series will be able to participate in the story
After seeing the success of μ, Chika Takami wishes to follow in their footsteps and become a school idol. The new group can be seen as a sister looking up to μ
The anime will be set in Uchiura, a small seaside town near Numazu, Shizuoka Perfecture
The nine girls attend Ura no Hoshi Girls Academy, a school with less than 100 students
It has been earlier revealed that animation studio Sunrise, who animated the Love Live! School Idol anime, filed a trademark for Love Live! Sunshine!! on March 27th this year. The trademark was filed to cover the following areas that will utilise the name: Trading cards and related products, clothing, accessories and related products, and home console related products.
Love Live! School Idol Project is an original anime produced by Sunrise studios that aired in January 2013. The conception of the anime project started in 2010 by Dengeki G’s Magazine. The editors wanted the project to be heavily influenced by fans, such as the costumes, hairstyles and names. Throughout this process, a manga of the project simply called Love Live! began in early 2012 by Sakurako Kimino and Arumi Tokita. The next part in the project was the anime series, followed by this app and an OVA. The second season of Love Live! School Idol Project aired last year and an anime film will be released this Summer.
Here is a synopsis of the series from Haruhichan:
Otonokizaka High School stands on the border of three cities: Akihabara—a pop culture mecca that’s evolving by the minute; Kanda—a conservative, cultured city where history and tradition reign supreme; and Jinbo—a quiet area reserved for a more mature, sophisticated population. Amidst this culture clash, the school now faces closure due to the enrollment of fewer and fewer students.
With the school planning to close within three years, nine female students come together with one thing in mind—form a pop idol group to revive the school’s popularity and keep it from shutting down. “In order to protect our beloved school, there’s only one thing we can do… become pop stars!”
The idol group name from Love Live! Sunshine!! is Aqours. Their debut song will be released in Japan on October 7th. Further information about the project will be revealed in the next issue of Dengeki G’s magazine, out next week.
With the final episode of Fujino Omori’s DanmachiTV anime finished airing today with a total of 13 episodes, all end cards were uploaded on the official website. Here’s the end cards for episode 1 – 13 of Danmachi:
Recently a new visual featuring four of the goddesses; Freya, Hephaestus, Hestia and Loki were featured in a new visual and appear to be lazing about on a bed in July’s NewType which can be purchased here.
Goddess Hestia was also featured taking a nice soak in the bath in the recent issue of NyanType which can be purchased here.
Goddess Hestia was also featured in Megami in a rather suggestive pose. This issue of Megami can be purchased here.
In the July issue of Dengeki G‘s magazine Goddess Hestia can be seen splashing about in shallow water in a two page spread:
While in the June issue of Animedia Goddess Hestia and the strongest adventurer in history, Ais Wallenstein, were also featured in a two page spread:
Hestia posters have been featured in a lot of magazines since Danmachi‘s debut, the first visual below is from June’sMegami issue and features Hestia leaning over a bar while drinking a glass of red wine. While the second visual from June’s NyanType issue displays her getting undressed.
Anime visual:
Dungeon ni Deai wo Motomeru no wa Machigatteiru no Darou ka?, also known as DanMachi for short, is a Japanese light novel series, written by Fujino Omori and illustrated by Suzuhito Yasuda. SB Creative has published six volumes since January 2013 under their GA Bunko imprint. It has received a spin-off light novel series and three manga adaptations. An anime television series adaptation by J.C.Staff is scheduled to air from April 2015.
Commonly known as the “Dungeon,” the city of Orario possesses a huge labyrinth in the underground. Its strange name attracts excitement, illusions of honor, and hopes of romance with a pretty girl. In this city of dreams and desires, new adventurer Bell Cranel has his fateful encounter with the tiny Goddess Hestia.
Thus begins the story of a boy striving to become the best adventurer and a lonely goddess searching for followers both hoping to reach their goals and perhaps have some romance in the side.
The official website for the second Attack on Titan film, Shingeki no Kyojin Movie 2: Jiyuu no Tsubasa / Attack on Titan: Wings of Freedom, has revealed that the film will add new ending footage that links the film to next year’s second television anime season. In addition to this, a new trailer for the film was streamed on Thursday. The trailer features the film’s theme song “Jiyu no Daishou” (The Price of Freedom) by Linked Horizon.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMF9WkDiuCM
A new visual for Isayama Hajime’s Attack on Titan anime was revealed in the the July issue of NewType as a double page spread.
In addition to this, the first visual for the second season was released this January and it was also revealed that the second season of Attack on Titan will be airing sometime in 2016.
The Shingeki no Kyojin (Attack on Titan) series was created by Hajime Isayama. It started off as a manga in 2009 and is published in Kodansha’s monthly Bessatsu Shounen Magazine. To date there has been 14 compiled volumes of the manga. A prequel light novel adaptation started in 2011, and two spin-off manga started serialization in 2012: Shingeki no Kyojin: Before the Fall and Shingeki! Kyojin Chuugakkou. In April 2013 the series was picked up for an anime adaptation. The anime series was produced by the newly formed Wit Studios. The series has grown in popularity since the anime’s debut, with the manga selling over 36 million copies as of April this year. Two live action film adaptations will be releasing in Japan next year. The first images for the live-action 2015 Attack on Titan film were also earlier released.
Several hundred years ago, humans were nearly exterminated by titans. Titans are typically several stories tall, seem to have no intelligence, devour human beings and, worst of all, seem to do it for the pleasure rather than as a food source. A small percentage of humanity survived by walling themselves in a city protected by extremely high walls, even taller than the biggest of titans.
Flash forward to the present and the city has not seen a titan in over 100 years. Teenage boy Eren and his foster sister Mikasa witness something horrific as the city walls are destroyed by a colossal titan that appears out of thin air. As the smaller titans flood the city, the two kids watch in horror as their mother is eaten alive. Eren vows that he will murder every single titan and take revenge for all of mankind.
TOHO Animation began streaming two new commercials for the upcoming anime adaptation of Okayado’s Monster Musume (Everyday Life with Monster Girls) manga on Friday. The new commercials feature Suu and Cerea. The commercials also preview the opening theme song “Saikousoku Fall in Love” by Miia (Group formed by six of the main female cast members).
On Thursday new commercials featuring Miia and Papi were streamed:
The series will the premiere on Wednesday, July 8 at 12:30 a.m. on Tokyo MX TV, Sun TV, KBS Kyoto, and AT-X. The series will then premiere on BS11 and Niconico. It was also revealed recently that Junji Majima (Tooru Acura from Hitsugi no Chaika) has joined the cast as the protagonist Kurusu Kimihito.
The voice actors along with character designs were revealed earlier:
Sora Amamiya (Asseylum Vers Allusia from Aldnoah.Zero) will voice Miia
Various visuals have been featured in Japanese anime magazines. The most recent visual features Cerea, the centauride who happens to be the third resident of Kurusu’s home. This issue of NewType can be purchased here.
Recently a new visual featuring Cerea was featured in Megami which can be purchased here.
A new visual from the recent issue of NewType has been revealed that features Papi the harpy, the half human and half bird sub-species.
Another visual was also revealed in the June issue of Megami which can be purchased here. The new visual features Miia, waking up and ready to start the day.
While another visual for the anime was also revealed in the most recent issue of Animage:
Anime visual:
The anime adaptation was revealed on the 7th manga volume of Takemaru Inui’s manga series Monster Musume no Iru Nichijou (Everyday That There Is a Monster Girl), there was wraparound jacket band announcement revealing that the TV anime adaptation of the manga will premiere this July, during the summer 2015 anime season.
Monster Musume no Iru Nichijou, usually translated as “Everyday Life with Monster Girls” but also as “Daily Life with a Monster Girl” or “Everyday Monster Girls“, is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Okayado. The manga first began as a series of hentai one-shots. An anime adaption has been announced to Air in July 2015.
Monster Musume is currently published in Japan by Tokuma Shoten in their Monthly Comic Ryu magazine and by Seven Seas Entertainment in the United States, with the chapters collected and reprinted into—so far—6 tankobon volumes. The story revolves around Kimihito Kurusu, often referred to as “Darling” among various other things, a Japanese student whose life is totally thrown into turmoil after becoming involved with the “Interspecies Cultural Exchange” program by mistake.
Monsters—they’re real, and they want to date us! Three years ago, the world learned that harpies, centaurs, catgirls, and all manners of fabulous creatures are not merely fiction; they are flesh and blood—not to mention scale, feather, horn, and fang. Thanks to the “Cultural Exchange Between Species Act,” these once-mythical creatures have assimilated into society, or at least, they’re trying.
When a hapless human named Kurusu Kimihito is inducted as a “volunteer” into the government exchange program, his world is turned upside down. A snake-like lamia named Miia comes to live with him, and it is Kurusu’s job to take care of her and make sure she integrates into his everyday life. Unfortunately for Kurusu, Miia is undeniably sexy, and the law against interspecies breeding is very strict. Even worse, when a ravishing centaur girl and a flirtatious harpy move in, what’s a full-blooded young man with raging hormones to do?!
The character designs for Fujino Omori’s Danmachi TV anime, originally designed by Suzuhito Yasuda and adapted for the anime by character designer Shigeki Kimoto (Sky Girls), has been featured in the in the July issue of NewType.
Recently a new visual featuring four of the goddesses; Freya, Hephaestus, Hestia and Loki were featured in a new visual and appear to be lazing about on a bed in July’s NewType which can be purchased here.
Goddess Hestia was also featured taking a nice soak in the bath in the recent issue of NyanType which can be purchased here.
Goddess Hestia was also featured in Megami in a rather suggestive pose. This issue of Megami can be purchased here.
In the July issue of Dengeki G‘s magazine Goddess Hestia can be seen splashing about in shallow water in a two page spread:
While in the June issue of Animedia Goddess Hestia and the strongest adventurer in history, Ais Wallenstein, were also featured in a two page spread:
Hestia posters have been featured in a lot of magazines since Danmachi‘s debut, the first visual below is from June’sMegami issue and features Hestia leaning over a bar while drinking a glass of red wine. While the second visual from June’s NyanType issue displays her getting undressed.
Anime visual:
Dungeon ni Deai wo Motomeru no wa Machigatteiru no Darou ka?, also known as DanMachi for short, is a Japanese light novel series, written by Fujino Omori and illustrated by Suzuhito Yasuda. SB Creative has published six volumes since January 2013 under their GA Bunko imprint. It has received a spin-off light novel series and three manga adaptations. An anime television series adaptation by J.C.Staff is scheduled to air from April 2015.
Commonly known as the “Dungeon,” the city of Orario possesses a huge labyrinth in the underground. Its strange name attracts excitement, illusions of honor, and hopes of romance with a pretty girl. In this city of dreams and desires, new adventurer Bell Cranel has his fateful encounter with the tiny Goddess Hestia.
Thus begins the story of a boy striving to become the best adventurer and a lonely goddess searching for followers both hoping to reach their goals and perhaps have some romance in the side.
The August 2015 issue of Ichijinsha’s Monthly Comic REX, a Japanese shounen manga magazine, also released a new visual with the same updated information.
August 2015 Issue of Monthly Comic REX Magazine
Shomin Sample New Anime Visual
Released Rendered Visual
Character Designs:
Yuu Serizawa (Mushibugyou‘s Tenma Ichinotani, PriPara‘s Mirei Minami) as Aika Tenkuubashi
Ai Kayano (No Game No Life‘s Shiro, Sukitte Ii na yo.‘s Mei Tachibana) as Reiko Arisugawa
Ore ga Ojou-sama Gakkou ni “Shomin Sample” Toshite Rachirareta Ken is a romantic-comedy, ecchi and harem light novel series written by Takafumi Nanatsuki (Gakuen to Sekai to Gakuen, Love★You) and illustrated by Gekka Uruu (Onii-chan dakedo Ai sae Areba Kankeinai yo ne, Yagate Maken no Alicebell) under Ichijinsha Paperback on December 2011. There are currently 9 light novel volumes. The first volume was released on November 19, 2011 and the 9th volume was shipped on January 20, 2015. A drama CD was included on the 5th light novel volume of the series.
Drama CD Cast:
Kaito Ishikawa (Haikyuu!!‘s Tobio Kageyama, Nagi no Asukara‘s Tsumigu Kihara) as Kimito Kagurazaka
Asami Seto (Chihayafuru‘s Chihaya Ayase, Death Parade‘s Kurokami no Onna) as Aika Tenkuubashi
Ai Kayano (No Game No Life‘s Shiro, Sukitte Ii na yo.‘s Mei Tachibana) as Reiko Arisugawa
Rina Hidaka (Captain Earth‘s Akari Yomatsuri, Inu x Boku SS‘ Ririchiyo Shirakiin) as Hakua Shiodome
Sachika Misawa (Accel World’s Kuroyukihime, Futsuu no Joshikousei ga [Locodol] Yatte Mita.’s Yukari Kohinata) as Karen Jinryou
Aoi Yuuki (Mahou Shoujo Madoka★Magica‘s Madoka Kaname, Toaru Hikuushi e no Koiuta‘s Claire Cruz) as Miyuki Kujou
The series also received a manga adaptation with the same title but was illustrated by Risumai (Danshi Koukousei no Nichijou Anthology, Juukinzoku Kanojo). There are six manga volumes as of February 1, 2015.
Anime Staff:
Director: Masato Jinbo (Fate/kaleid liner Prisma☆Illya 2wei!, Nozo x Kimi)
Series Composition: Kento Shimoyama (Bleach,Servant x Service)
In a hidden school surrounded by mountains, young ladies of good families are taught everything a high class lady needs to know. They are also completely cut off from the outside world, keeping them sheltered and innocent; however, a problem has come up recently—more and more graduates are failing to cope with the modern world after graduation. To deal with this problem, they’ve decided to kidnap a male commoner student, and enroll him as a student. They hope that this will be a gentle way to introduce the girls to the outside world.
Kagurazaka Kimito is chosen for this dubious honor, mostly because he seems utterly average; however, the school leaders also seem to have concluded he’s a homosexual with a muscle fetish. When Kimito hears that the alternative may be castration (to protect the girls’ purity), he eagerly plays along with this misconception. Now he’ll just have to survive the attention of many high class young ladies that are completely out of touch with the world!
TOHO Animation began streaming two new commercials for the upcoming anime adaptation of Okayado’s Monster Musume (Everyday Life with Monster Girls) manga on Thursday. The new commercials feature Miia and Papi and preview the opening theme song “Saikousoku Fall in Love” by Miia (Group formed by six of the main female cast members).
The series will the premiere on Wednesday, July 8 at 12:30 a.m. on Tokyo MX TV, Sun TV, KBS Kyoto, and AT-X. The series will then premiere on BS11 and Niconico. It was also revealed recently that Junji Majima (Tooru Acura from Hitsugi no Chaika) has joined the cast as the protagonist Kurusu Kimihito.
The voice actors along with character designs were revealed earlier:
Sora Amamiya (Asseylum Vers Allusia from Aldnoah.Zero) will voice Miia
Various visuals have been featured in Japanese anime magazines. The most recent visual features Cerea, the centauride who happens to be the third resident of Kurusu’s home. This issue of NewType can be purchased here.
Recently a new visual featuring Cerea was featured in Megami which can be purchased here.
A new visual from the recent issue of NewType has been revealed that features Papi the harpy, the half human and half bird sub-species.
Another visual was also revealed in the June issue of Megami which can be purchased here. The new visual features Miia, waking up and ready to start the day.
While another visual for the anime was also revealed in the most recent issue of Animage:
Anime visual:
The anime adaptation was revealed on the 7th manga volume of Takemaru Inui’s manga series Monster Musume no Iru Nichijou (Everyday That There Is a Monster Girl), there was wraparound jacket band announcement revealing that the TV anime adaptation of the manga will premiere this July, during the summer 2015 anime season.
Monster Musume no Iru Nichijou, usually translated as “Everyday Life with Monster Girls” but also as “Daily Life with a Monster Girl” or “Everyday Monster Girls“, is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Okayado. The manga first began as a series of hentai one-shots. An anime adaption has been announced to Air in July 2015.
Monster Musume is currently published in Japan by Tokuma Shoten in their Monthly Comic Ryu magazine and by Seven Seas Entertainment in the United States, with the chapters collected and reprinted into—so far—6 tankobon volumes. The story revolves around Kimihito Kurusu, often referred to as “Darling” among various other things, a Japanese student whose life is totally thrown into turmoil after becoming involved with the “Interspecies Cultural Exchange” program by mistake.
Monsters—they’re real, and they want to date us! Three years ago, the world learned that harpies, centaurs, catgirls, and all manners of fabulous creatures are not merely fiction; they are flesh and blood—not to mention scale, feather, horn, and fang. Thanks to the “Cultural Exchange Between Species Act,” these once-mythical creatures have assimilated into society, or at least, they’re trying.
When a hapless human named Kurusu Kimihito is inducted as a “volunteer” into the government exchange program, his world is turned upside down. A snake-like lamia named Miia comes to live with him, and it is Kurusu’s job to take care of her and make sure she integrates into his everyday life. Unfortunately for Kurusu, Miia is undeniably sexy, and the law against interspecies breeding is very strict. Even worse, when a ravishing centaur girl and a flirtatious harpy move in, what’s a full-blooded young man with raging hormones to do?!
Media Factory’s MF Bunko has updated the official website for Zero no Tsukaima with news that they plan on continuing the fantasy light novel series. Author Noboru Yamaguchi passed away at age 41 on April 4th, 2013, after a two-year battle with cancer. 20 volumes of the series were published, short of an intended 22.
Zero no Tsukaima is a fantasy and comedy-oriented series of Japanese light novels written by Noboru Yamaguchi, with illustrations by Eiji Usatsuka. Media Factory published 20 volumes between June 2004 and February 2011. The series was left unfinished due to the author’s death on April 4, 2013, but the series is planned to continue to its conclusion with a different author. The story features several characters from the second year class of a magic academy in a fictional magical world with the main characters being the inept mage Louise and her familiar from Earth, Saito Hiraga.
Between 2006 and 2012, the series was adapted by J.C.Staff into four anime television series and an additional original video animation episode. The first anime series was licensed by Geneon Entertainment in English, but the license expired in 2011. Sentai Filmworks has since re-licensed the first series as well as picking up the other three series. A manga version drawn by Nana Mochizuki was serialized in Media Factory’s manga magazine Monthly Comic Alive between August 2006 and October 2009. The manga is licensed by Seven Seas Entertainment for release in North America. Three additional spin-off manga were also created, as were three visual novels.
Zero no Tsukaima synopsis from Haruhichan:
Louise is a magician at the Tristein Academy, dubbed with the nickname “Zero Louise” due to her inability to effectively use her magic properly, resulting in zero successes. An upcoming test at her academy requires her to summon a familiar, a servant and partner to support her as a magician. Despite desiring a familiar that would be superior to her constantly mocking classmates, Louise ends up summoning Hiraga Saito, your average Japanese boy. Even with Louise and Saito both unwilling to accept each other, they have no choice. Louise cannot attempt another summoning and Saito cannot return to Japan, and so their life together begins. Based on the novel by Noboru Yamaguchi.
A new visual of the anime adaptation of Ichiei Ishibumi and Miyama-Zero’s High School DxD light novel series has been featured in a Japanese anime magazine as a double page spread.
In addition to this, various High School DxD visuals have been featured in the recent issues of Megami and NyanType:
Anime visual:
High School DxD is a light novel series written by Ichiei Ishibumi and illustrated by Miyama-Zero. The series began serialization in 2008 in Fujimi Shobo’s Dragon Magazine, before being published in their Fujimi Fantasia Bunko imprint. To date, there has been 18 compiled volumes. Three manga adaptation of the series have been published in 2010, 2012 and 2013, all of which have been written by Ishibumi. An anime adaptation was produced in 2012. It was animated by TNK (School Days) and directed by Tetsuya Yanagisawa (Sora no Otoshimono: Tokeijikake no Angeloid, Kyoshiro to Towa no Sora). Two OADs were then released, and were then followed by the second season of the anime in 2013. A Nintendo 3DS game was also released later that year.
Issei Hyodo is your average perverted high school student whose one wish in life is to have his own harem, but he’s got to be one of the unluckiest guys around. He goes on his first date with a girl only to get brutally attacked and killed when it turns out the girl is really a vicious fallen angel. To top it all off, he’s later reincarnated as a devil by his gorgeous senpai who tells him that she is also a devil and now his master! One thing’s for sure, his peaceful days are over. In a battle between devils and angels, who will win?
The official website of anime adaptation of Ryohgo Narita and Suzuhito Yasuda’s Durarara!! light novel series began streaming a new commercial on Monday. The new commercial is narrated by Izaya Orihara and it also gives a preview of the opening theme song “Day you laugh” by Toshiyuki Toyonaga. The theme song will be released on August 12th and includes a chance to buy tickets to an October 25th live event with the limited edition version. The single of REVALCY’s will be released on August 5th and will be used as the new ending theme song titled “EXIT”.
Durarara!!x2 is part of the 10th anniversary celebration of the Durarara!! series, created and written by Ryohgo Narita featuring art from Suzuhito Yasuda. The light novel series began in 2004 published by ASCII Media Works’ Dengeki Bunko. The original light novels ended in January 2013 for a total of 13 volumes, but Narita has started a new series of light novels titled Durarara!! SH set two years after the original’s conclusion. The third issue released this year on January 10th. The light novels received an anime adaptation in 2010 from animation studio Brain’s Base with a second season airing throughout this year. In addition, two manga adaptations and a few visual novels were also released.
Durarara!!x2 Ten will start airing from July 4th at 11:30pm JST on Tokyo MX during the Summer 2015 anime season. Further information about the anime will be revealed within the next week.
A recent scan from shoujo magazine ARIA’s August edition has revealed that Akira Hoshimaru’s Hatsukoi Monster will be adapted into a TV anime.
The romantic comedy manga previously received a drama CD, released on February 25. It cast prominent voice actor Takahiro Sakurai (Atsumu Matsuyuki from AnoHana) as the male lead, Kanade, and Yui Horie (Tsubasa Hanekawa from Bakemonogatari) as the female lead, Nikaido Kaho. Other character voices included Showtaro Morikubo (Saji Genpou from Ikkitousen), Tomokazu Sugita (Gintoki Sakata from Gintama), Ayumu Murase (Rui Ninomiya from Gatchaman Crowds), Nobuhiko Okamoto (Rin Okumura from Ao no Exorcist), Kaito Ishikawa (Mitsuo Yanagisawa from Golden Time), and Hikaru Midorikawa (Ayato Sakamaki from Diabolik Lovers). It is unknown if the cast will be reprising their roles.
Hatsukoi Monster is both written and illustrated by Akira Hiyoshimaru. It began serialization in ARIA in July 2013, and is still ongoing with four compiled volumes released. The second volume ranked 34 in its first week on Oricon’s Weekly Manga Rankings.
Hatsukoi Monster synopsis from Haruhichan:
Nikaido Kaho is a daughter of a rich family and her whole life everyone’s been nice to her. When moving to her new high school dormitory, she almost gets hit by a truck but is saved by a boy. It’s love at first sight for Kaho but when asking him his name, he tells her she’s weird. Kaho is shocked since it’s the first time anyone’s ever said mean things to her. Soon enough, she finds out that the boy who saved her lives in the same dormitory and so she bravely confesses her love. The boy says his name is Kanade and agrees to go out with her. Unfortunately, the following day Kaho finds out that her first boyfriend is a 5th grader.
The official website of the 2 upcoming live-action Attack on Titan (Shingeki no Kyojin) movies, based on Hajime Isayama’s manga of the same name, has revealed a brand new trailer. The trailer shows us new footage of the upcoming films, a look at the titans and the first look of the 3D Maneuver Gear in action.
The second official trailer has also been released, which previews the film’s characters in action and gives us the first look of the tremendous titans in action:
The second film will have its own unique subtitle and will be called Attack on Titan: End of the World. It will be released in Japanese theaters on September 19. The first film, simply titled Attack on Titan, will open on August 1st.
In regards to the cast, producer Yoshihiro Sato had discussions with creator Hajime Isayama and decided to cast actors and actresses that could act and flesh out the characters rather than just looking like them. One of the new original characters for the film, Shikishima, will be a key character to the film being titled “humanity’s strongest man”. Isayama will be overseeing the story of the upcoming film. Higuchi has confirmed that the two films will be set in the same world and feature the same characters, though the film will also incorporate new characters and enemies. The films were filmed at Hashima Island in the Nagasaki Prefecture, in Kumamoto Prefecture, Ibaraki Prefecture and Toho studio.
The film’s staff includes:
Director: Shinji Higuchi (Nadia – The Secret of Blue Water)
Scriptwriters: Hajime Isayama (Attack on Titan Manga Creator), Yuusuke Watanabe (Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods), Tomohiro Machiyama (Japanese Film Critic)
Character Designers: Yoshiyuki Sadamoto (Neon Genesis Evangelion, Wolf Children) and Takayuki Takeya (Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children Costume Designer)
Special Effects Director: Katsuro Onoue (Onmyoji, Uchuu Kyoudai Live Action Film)
Special Effects Modeller: Yoshihiro Nishimura (Suicide Club and Tokyo Gore Police Director)
Art Director: Tsuyoshi Shimizu (Killer Bride’s Perfect Crime, The Backwater)
Costumer Designer: Shinichi Miter (Wool 100%, 69)
Film Studio: TOHO (Ao Haru Ride Live Action Film, Pokémon Films)
The Shingeki no Kyojin (Attack on Titan) series was created by Hajime Isayama. It started off as a manga in 2009 and is published in Kodansha’s monthly Bessatsu Shounen Magazine. To date there has been 14 compiled volumes of the manga. A prequel light novel adaptation started in 2011, and two spin-off manga started serialization in 2012: Shingeki no Kyojin: Before the Fall and Shingeki! Kyojin Chuugakkou. In April 2013 the series was picked up for an anime adaptation. The anime series was produced by the newly formed Wit Studios. The series has grown in popularity since the anime’s debut, with the manga selling over 36 million copies as of April this year. Two live action film adaptations will be releasing in Japan next year. The second season of the anime was earlier announced to air in 2016.
100 years ago, titans suddenly appeared on Earth. Soon, human civilization veered on collapse due to the titans. Humans then built a giant wall to defend themselves. Within the giant walls, humans lived in peace, but, 100 years later, the giant wall is broken.
The two live action Attack on Titan films will be releasing in Japan next Summer. The first film will release in August and the second film will release in the following month in September.
A new KanColle 1/8th scale figure featuring the lovable Shimakaze Class Destroyer, Shimakaze, has been revealed by Aquamarine. This is the major damage version of Shimakaze where her clothes are torn and her weapons are damaged and is displayed in a lewdly cute manner.
A new KanColle figure featuring the lovable Shiratsuyu Class Destroyer, Yuudachi, who is known for her verbal tic “Poi” has been revealed. This is the Kai Ni version of Yuudachi where she gets a scarf and slight hairstyle change.
A brand new promotional video for the next major instalment in Atlus’ Persona series, Persona 5, has been revealed. This new promotional video reveals more footage of the game and more information surrounding the main characters and their thieving antics. The preview itself was bundled on Blu-ray as a bonus of the limited edition of Persona 4: Dancing All Night. The first companions in the game include Ryuji Sakamoto, Anne Takamaki and the cat Morgana. In the game players will assume the role of a 2nd year highschool student, who also becomes the Phantom Thief at night. The main persona of the main character is named Arsene.
Persona 5 will release on the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4 in Japan and North America in Winter 2015. No European date has been revealed so far.
Persona 5 is an upcoming role-playing video game currently in development by Atlus for the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4. It is the fifth main title in the Shin Megami Tensei: Persona series, which is part of the larger Megami Tensei series of video games, and is scheduled for release in Japan and North America in 2015.
Swaps4 Productions and Big Bang Studio are excited to unveil the highly anticipated launch of Melody's Melon Mania, featuring Projekt Melody! This captivating, free-to-play...
